The Gloup

A natural blow-hole in the cliffs on the east coast of Orkney. It is about 20 feet across and 80 feet deep, with about 100 feet of water with a smooth sandy floor, and has a large enough arch that you can swim or canoe in at low tide.

There is a viewing platform for tourists, who are transported by the coachload to look down into its depths.

The cliffs here are mostly sandstone which has been laid down in definite layers, which makes it very easy to climb.

The last two points make it an ideal place for cliffjumpers. For adrenaline junkies it starts the day wonderfully to hurl yourself over the rail past a couple of white haired tourists into the chasm only to reappear 5 minutes later from round the headland.